Offloading

Frans explained that, because working in life sciences necessitates a lot of brain-heavy activities, it is vital to take some “low-brain” breaks every day. In other words, you need to take some moments of real rest, in which you’re not providing any new information to your brain. That means no newspapers, no YouTube, no Twitter. Instead, Frans recommends that you schedule blocks of time in your agenda to take a true break, and preferably one in which you get up and move. You can start with something as simple as getting up from your desk and making yourself a warm drink. 

No matter how big or small your brain breaks are, it is important to simply realize that you need them. Nobody can stay fully focused all day, and you won’t be at your best if you work the whole day through without a break. Giving yourself these pauses will help prevent ‘decision fatigue’ – meaning that you will likely make better choices than you would if you worked nonstop like a robot. If you give your brain the rest it needs, it will be more likely to “stay on your team” and help you tackle the priorities you’ve set rather than sabotaging you, for instance by making you space out in the middle of an important task. 

On the other hand, saying no to overcommitment is also important in offloading. Frans has a lot of experience working with many different types of organizations, and he says that “overcommitment is a huge issue in all of them”. So, the good news is, you’re not alone if you’re a chronically overcommitted! But the bad news is, that if you overcommit, you might well be spreading your own talent too thin, and losing view of your priorities. By forcing you to switch your attention around from task to task, overcommitment can actually slow down your overall progress towards your key goals. Frans recommends that you take the time to clean up your schedule regularly, and step out of anything that isn’t essential. Arlène Derbaix and Jessica Thiry, co-founders of Bliss, agree, saying that “you first need to subtract to be able to multiply.”

Choosing what to keep, and what to leave behind

It’s as simple as this: take out a plain piece of paper, and draw a diamond shape on it. Just a four-sided outline, like the diamond on playing cards. Now, you can write one priority at each of the four points of the diamond. And that is it! “Having more than four priorities is not realistic,” say Arlène and Jessica. And, they added, “A priority is not a priority until you do it. It only becomes real when you schedule it.” So, pick your four priorities wisely, and then be sure to lock them in your agenda! 

It can also help to keep the Bliss Diamond in sight. You can use it as a decision-making tool when figuring out if you will say “yes” or “no” to new requests or opportunities. Ask yourself, “Does this match my priorities?” You might find that even if the answer to this question is “no”, you may still have a hard time saying “no” to the person who is asking you to do something for them. Indeed, many women have a hard time saying “no” even to things that they don’t personally prioritize. And that is why Arlène and Jessica next shared their four steps to “becoming a boundary setting queen”:

1. Say no, simply but firmly. That’s it, that’s all. 

2. Don’t overexplain. The more arguments you provide, the more opportunity you give to the other person to argue with you. 

3. Keep the focus on yourself. For example, instead of saying, “You have to start emptying the recycling bin in the office yourself!” try, “I won’t be able to empty the recycling bin today.” 

4. Propose an alternative. For example, if you know another colleague who might be able to help, suggest that your conversation partner reach out to him or her. Or, if you cannot do the requested task today but you could get it done in the future, suggest a time frame that works for you. 

So, what is on your Bliss Diamond for 2023? And what will you offload? 

About TOPX
TOPX is a network for female professionals in Life Sciences seeking career advancement in industry or academia. Curious what TOPX Network has to offer you, and interested in becoming a TOPX member too? See here for more information about the TOPX membership and all services we offer.